France envoy eyes closer defense ties with PH

(UPDATE) THE French government on Wednesday vowed to enhance its defense and security partnership with the Philippines as the country continues to deal with acts of aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

Ambassador Marie Fontanel-Lassalle gave her government's commitment to Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr., a month after France's defense minister gave Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. assurance of assistance during a defense chiefs convergence in Fiji.

Lassalle also discussed the possibility of having a joint sail with the Philippine military, similar to the bilateral sail agreement between the United States and the Armed Forces.

The ambassador offered her government's support to the AFP Modernization Program by helping the country build a submarine force.

«Emphasizing France's role as a partner in the Indo-Pacific region, Ambassador-designate Fontanel reiterated France's offer to support the AFP Modernization Program (AFPMP), including the Naval Group's readiness to assist in building a Philippine submarine force,» Teodoro said in a statement.

The two leaders discussed the countries' relations as France opened its Defense Mission in Manila. France and the Philippines vowed to adhere to the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (Unclos).

Teodoro «underscored the importance of enhancing defense ties with other countries and how it strengthens complementary relations such as trade, investment, and commerce.»

He suggested that France converge with other like-minded states to uphold freedom of navigation and address maritime challenges.

France and 16 other countries backed the Philippines in its fight for sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, parts of which are being claimed by China.